Gallipoli (1981)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Director:

Peter Weir

Writers:

Peter Weir (story)
David Williamson (screenplay)

Release Date:

28 August 1981 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History | War

Tagline:

Peter Weir's film of...Gallipoli

Plot:

Two Australian sprinters face the brutal realities of war when they are sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey during World War I.

Plot Keywords:

Gallipoli | Turkey | Anzac | Running | Army

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 9 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Mark Lee	...	Archy Hamilton
Bill Kerr	...	Jack
Harold Hopkins	...	Les McCann
Charles Lathalu Yunipingli	...	Zac (as Charles Yunupingu)
Heath Harris	...	Stockman
Ron Graham	...	Wallace Hamilton
Gerda Nicolson	...	Rose Hamilton
Mel Gibson	...	Frank Dunne
Robert Grubb	...	Billy
Tim McKenzie	...	Barney
David Argue	...	Snowy
Brian Anderson	...	Railway Foreman
Reg Evans	...	Athletics Official 1
Jack Giddy	...	Athletics Official 2
Dane Peterson	...	Announcer

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Singapore:PG | Argentina:13 | South Korea:15 | Australia:PG | Finland:K-12 | Norway:15 | Sweden:15 | UK:PG | USA:PG | West Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Adelaide Railway Station, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Company:

Australian Film Commission, The

Trivia:

Cameo: [David Williamson]the writer is the tall dark haired football player who gets tackled hard when the soldiers play football in Egypt.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In the pub scene when they are about to leave for Gallipoli there are flags on the wall of the Allies - France, Britain, and Australia. There is also a flag of the United States. The battle of Gallipoli occurred in 1915, but the United States did not enter the war until April 6, 1917. It was neutral in 1915, and traded with both the Allied and Central Powers.

Quotes:

Major Barton: Marker flags? Who told him there were marker flags?
Lt. Grey: I heard someone say they'd seen one sir.
Major Barton: Who? *Who*?
Lt. Grey: I'm not sure sir.
Major Barton: Grey, you bloody idiot! Nobody got further than ten yards!
Frank Dunne: Why don't you go above Robinson's head sir?
Major Barton: General Gardner. Go like the wind!

Movie Connections:

Featured in "20 to 1: Great Aussie Movies (#3.5)" (2006)

Soundtrack:

TALES FROM THE VIENNA WOODS - ROSES FROM THE SOUTH

Sad but true story

Terrific film that so succinctly sums up the passion and the innocence of the Aussie soldiers as they gave their lives up for a cause not their own, believing to the end that duty demanded that they make a good showing of themselves. This story is based in historical fact and is still discussed today as one of the most terrible follies foisted upon young men by totally incompetent military leaders. There are even worse stories that are told about the wars outcome in France and Belgium but this film captures enough of the tragedy to drive home the point of how mad all wars are.

The very young and handsome and Aussie sounding Mel Gibson is very convincing as are the entire cast. Peter Weir crafted a heart wrenching film which ends with a moment that you just can not shake from your mind. Great film and very moving.